Henri Nouwen, the Catholic priest and theologian, encouraged preachers to stop using sermons to try and change people’s minds and start inviting people to open their minds. So I am going on record at the beginning of this sermon to invite you to open your mind. And all God’s people said…no way!!! You’ve just got up off your figurative couch and locked the deadbolt on the front door and made sure the garage door is closed and the door into the house is locked.

But what if I told you that it takes an open mind for Jesus to do any kind of work in your life? What if I told you that an open mind is paramount to understanding Scripture? Or to grow in your faith? It is. And it does.

What does it mean to have an open mind? Good question.

Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. Rev. 3:20

What is necessary for an open mind to Jesus through Scripture?

1) Trust
2) Community of Faith
3) Bias for Action